Encountering a Service Dog in Public

Whether a dog is a fully trained service dog or still in training, the general rule is simple: do not touch or distract the dog. Interacting with a working or training dog can disrupt their focus, interfere with their ability to respond to important cues, and potentially put their handler at risk.

If you're unsure how to behave around a service dog team, here are some key do’s and don’ts to guide your actions and ensure respectful, safe interactions.